ESC Winning Countries:

8) UNITED KINGDOM

EUROVISION SONG CONTEST

ALL THE WINNING COUNTRIES

A look back at every country that has won the Eurovision Song Contest in chronological order.

 

1967

 

UNITED KINGDOM

The United Kingdom first competed in the Eurovision Song Contest in 1957. To this day, it has finished in the runner-up position more times than any other participating nation. The UK first tasted victory at the ESC in 1967 with “Puppet On A String”. This was one of the first pop-oriented entries as well as the first winning song sung in English. Over subsequent decades, more songs with English lyrics have won than those performed in other languages.

Sandie Shaw’s win was followed by a triumphant Lulu with “Boom Bang-a-Bang” in 1969, as part of a 4-way tie shared with France, Spain and the Netherlands. The UK won in its own right again in 1976 with Brotherhood Of Man’s “Save Your Kisses For Me”. Another victory was earned by Bucks Fizz in 1981 with “Making Your Mind Up”.

The most recent UK winning entry remains 1997’s “Love Shine A Light”, performed by Katrina & The Waves. With the addition of semi-finals, the United Kingdom became one of the “Big 5” countries that automatically qualify for every Grand Final.